Post a Question

California Foothill Pine, Pinus sabiniana, is very common in urban areas along the foothills of the Sierra Nevada and in the coast ranges. Many homeowners and some of the local jurisdictions have asked for risk assessments. While it is my personal experience that this tree has a tendancy toward early failures from structural faults, do you have any statistics that would support this claim.

Posted by Nicole Harrison on January 17, 2019

Reply posted on March 11, 2019

Sorry for the delay in response. Most of our reports come from urban areas where P sabiniana isn't common. We only have 37 reports on the species. 14 root, 13 branch and 10 trunk. Mean age of the trees is 64 years. No defects were apparent in 7 cases and heavy lateral limbs (13) was the most common defect mentioned.

103.

Would you please post the latest statistics for Platanus racemosa? Thank you.

Posted by Kay Greeley on December 19, 2018

Reply posted on March 11, 2019

Sorry about the delay in responding. Platanus racemosa is another species with few reports (24) 8 trunk, 12 branch and 4 root. Probably because it's a species not often found in cities unless the property abuts a creek.

Mean age 56 years, Height 55 ft. and DBH 29 inches Most of these are not related to winter storms, 18 failed in the months April through October and 10 with little or no wind. some decay was noted in 13. The most commonly mentioned other defects were lean 8 and heavy lateral limbs 7.

102.

Could you please post statistics for Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford'?

Posted by Mark Porter on December 14, 2018

Reply posted on December 17, 2018

Here are the stats for 56 Bradford pear. There are 98 records for P calleryana, 56 are labeled Bradford, but probably some of the others are too.

All 56 Mean age 18 years, Mean DBH 12”, Mean Height 27’

Root 8, Mean age 12 years, Mean height 23’, Mean DBH 12”, Decay in 7, and 7 failed in med to high wind.

No decay noted in 21, Mean size of branch 7”. 20 failed at the point of attachment. No decay in 21. Most commonly reported other defects are codominance, multiple branches at same point and embedded bark. 25 failed in high use areas. 11 reports of no pruning, 15 are thinned. 19 failed in medium to high winds.

101.

Can you please post the statistics for blue oak (Quercus douglasii) failures?

BRANCH: Mean inch at failure point 18 inches. 8 failed away from attachment and at a mean of 5 ft. away. Decay present in 8. Heavy lateral limbs noted in 11. No pruning in 7. 6 failed in moderate to high wind and 6 in rain or snow.

ROOT: Decay present in 18. Other defects: 4 dead and 5 leans. 9 failed in saturated soil, 4 in compacted soil an 4 in dry soil. 13 failed in moderate to high wind and 13 in rain or snow.

100.

Could you please post the latest statistics for Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra `Italica')?

Posted by Michael Baefsky on June 6, 2018

Reply posted on June 7, 2018

There are only 19 Lombardy poplar failures in the database. Trunk 8, Branch 4, and Root 7. Mean age 38 years, Ht. 56 ft. and DBH 23 inches. One trunk failed at ground level, the others 1-12 ft above. Decay was a factor in all of the trunk failures. Mean diameter of failed branch 18 inches. Decay present in 3 branch failures. Decay present in 4 root failures. No pruning in 13 cases. 14 failed in moderate to high winds. 14 failed in rain, 2 in none and 2 unknown.

99.

Could you post the latest statistics for Quercus kelloggii please? Thank you

Posted by Mark Porter on March 7, 2018

Reply posted on March 7, 2018

We have 135 reports of Q. kelloggii. Trunk 60, Branch 41 and Root 34. Mean age 112 years, mean Ht 66 ft, and mean DBH 32 inches. 55 failed with no precipitation. Average temperature at time of failure is 50 degrees F.

TRUNK. Mean ht. of failure is 9 feet above ground. 11 failed at ground level (ht. of failure not reported in 6 cases.) No decay noted in only 5 cases. Lean is a factor in 31 cases.

BRANCH. Mean diameter at point of failure 17 inches. 14 failed at point of attachment. Mean point of failure away from attachment is 7 ft. No decay noted in only 7 cases. (decay unreported in 6 cases) Heavy lateral limbs is the most commonly reported other defect.

ROOT Decay reported in all but 6 cases. Lean is a factor in 13 cases.

98.

Question: I see news articles about Indian laurel, Ficus microcarpa Nitida, failures, but I don't see anything on this web site. Is it just too little to list? What do you have records on?

Posted by Greg Applegate on February 1, 2018

Reply posted on February 8, 2018

Only 40 reports on 6 Ficus species....18 of those were F.microcarpa.

97.

Have any Araucaria been reported?
If yes, which ones, what kind of failure, what county?

Posted by Jamie Inashima on December 16, 2017

Reply posted on December 20, 2017

Not many...only 5 in all. 2 araucana in Alameda and San Francisco, 1 columnaris in Los Angeles, 1 cunninghamiana and 1 heterophylla in Santa Barbara. 2 trunk, 2 branch and 1 root. Not enough data here for more summaries.

96.

I have twin redwoods that are both struggling to get enough water. Would it help to cut one of them and allow the other one to grow? The trunks are very pale, there is a fair amount of leaf drop, and compared to other trees around, they look quite sickly and thin.

Posted by A. Fletcher on September 30, 2017

Reply posted on October 1, 2017

Our data can't answer this question. It is generally known that many redwoods grown away from coastal locations were severely affected by drought conditions and many did not recover despite a subsequently better rainy season. Your county UC Cooperative Extension office should be able to help. If you don't know where it is, just search on line for UC Cooperative Extension plus the name of your county.

95.

Could you post the latest statistics for summer limb drop? Right now I'm most interested in the frequency in pines, but the more data, the better.
Thanks!

Posted by Ruth Stiles on September 27, 2017

Reply posted on October 1, 2017

There are 44 branch failure reports in the database that are within the parameters of: Temperature 80 degrees F or above, no or unknown decay, winds less than 5mph, no precipitation and the failure was out on the limb (not at the point of attachment.) 14 genera are included: Calocedrus 1, Catalpa 2, Cedrus 4, Hesperocyparis 3, Eucalyptus 7,Juglans 2, Liquidambar 3, Pinus 5, Platanus 1, Pyrus 2, Quercus 8, Salix 1 and Ulmus 3.

94.

I live in Concord, CA. There is a short, public trail behind my fence in the backyard. East Bay Regional Parks owns the trail. The trees from the trail hang over my fence. One of the trees from the trail impedes my mulberry tree from fully blooming all the limbs and leaves in the summer. Years ago, East Bay Parks agreed to trim back the trees from my fence line, at my request. I called a couple of years ago and asked them to trim the trees back again and they said it's my responsibility to have them cut from my fence line. Due to the many, tall trees with branches hanging over my fence line, this would be quite costly. Is it my responsibility to have the trees cut back, or East Bay Parks?

Posted by Paula on September 23, 2017

Reply posted on September 24, 2017

This is a complicated question that CTFRP can't answer. I suggest that you contact EBP again and ask for a written copy of their rules on the subject. Also ask whose responsibility it would be if any of those branches failed.

93.

I have 14 -15 Liquid Ambers that are approximately 35 yrs old. One of them suddenly has all brown leaves. None of the others are doing this. We live in Carlsbad, Calif. & it is now almost SEPT. & the leaves will change beautiful colors in the Fall but not dead & brown. Any ideas?

Posted by Suzi Runnestrand on August 25, 2017

Reply posted on August 26, 2017

You are best advised to seek more local expertise to solve your problem. Contact University of California Cooperative Extension for San Diego County at cesandiego.ucanr.edu or 858-822-7711

92.

I have two 32 coastal redwoods in my back yard. I did not water one summer due to the drought here in CA. One of the trees started to die from the top down. I contacted the state of CA tree lab. they suggested that I get a slow drip watering hose and water a few times during the week to save my trees. I did. Now the tree that was dying from the top down now has a lot of new growth on the bottom at the base of the trunk and is dead on the top. What can I do to keep my house safe? Do I have to remove the tree? Can the tree be saved? I have had neighbors advise me to have the top removed. My ultimate goal is to save the tree. Please kindly advise

Posted by Jeanine Williams on May 28, 2017

Reply posted on May 30, 2017

This site deals with tree failurres...broken trunks, branches and uprootings. Other matters are best dealt with by experienced horticulturists. You can find excellent free advice by contacting your county UC Cooperative extension service. To find them, Google UC Cooperative Extension plus the name of your county. If you're willing to pay for a consultant, you can also get excellent assistance from the American Society of Consulting Arborists. Go to www.asca-consultants.org to find one in your locality.

91.

I have a 50' tall redwood about 15 years old in my backyard in Laguna Niguel, CA. For the past year, the leaves and branches are increasingly brown. I don't see anything externally but there are small white patches on the inside of the bark. I have increased mulch and watering. I will post some photos if possible.

Posted by Richard Bent on May 15, 2017

Reply posted on May 16, 2017

Our program focuses on tree failure issues....trunk or branch breaks or uprootings. For disease diagnosis or other management problems you can get free help from the University of California Cooperative Extension. The number for the Orange County office is 949-653-1809.

90.

Why would a 30ft tree fall with no wind or rain._

Posted by Leah Gahn on March 31, 2017

Reply posted on April 3, 2017

A tree can have defects that are not obvious to a casual observer. Root decay is often a cause for failure of a normal appearing tree. If you have a tree that you are concerned about you should contact an arborist who has expertise in structural analysis. You can find one for your region at the American Society of Consulting Arborists website at www.asca-consultants.org.

89.

I am looking for a report or information about tree failures in ponderosa pines. Please send what information has been obtained on this species. Thank you!

Posted by Julie on March 24, 2017

Reply posted on March 27, 2017

We only have 37 reports on Pinus ponderosa probably because this species doesn't occur in the metropolitan areas where most of our reports originate. 26 failures occurred in National Park Service sites or other rural areas.

All the trunk failures were above ground level, the mean was 22 ft. above ground. The mean diameter at the break was 23 inches.

Decay was a factor in 23 cases ( 11 of 17 root). Few other defects mentioned except Failed Portion Dead (11). Fire and insect damage was commonly associated with the failures.

All but 9 failed in moderate to high winds, 17 with no precipitation.

Mean temperature 46 degrees.

88.

What data do you have for Corymbia citriodora? I think anecdotally it is a pretty good tree, with lower than expected branch failure. Please send what you have. Thanks,

Posted by Jonathan Cook on March 21, 2017

Reply posted on March 21, 2017

We only have 20 reports of Corymbia (Eucalyptus) citriodora. All but two failed in southern California locations. 12 branch, 5 trunk and 3 root. Mean age 31 years. Mean height 63 ft and Mean DBH 27 inches.

Mean branch diameter of the failed limbs is 18 inches. The majority of the trees (15) were unpruned,

Decay was a factor in 3 of 20. 10 failed in high winds and there was no precipitation in 13 cases.

87.

Are there any reports on Taxodium mucronatum (Montezuma Cypress), if not, anything on Taxodium distichum (Bald Cypress)? If so, what are the failures reported? Thanks.

Posted by Dennis Jones on March 16, 2017

Reply posted on March 16, 2017

We have no reports for the genus Taxodium.

86.

Are there statistics for Australian Pine (Casuarina Equistipholia or Casuarina Cunninghamiana, not sure of the species) failures in CA? Our city's arborist says he's never seen a failure of this genus,in 36 years in his profession, yet many Florida-based websites say this tree is very likely to blow over during strong wind events. We have a 48' tall tree (city owned)in our yard, about 10' from our home. The tree's between 50 and 70 years old. Also, what's their average lifespan? The arborist says APs live to 150, yet most websites estimate this genus' lifespan as 45-50 years.

Posted by Moira Hahn on February 23, 2017

Reply posted on February 23, 2017

Our database contains 5994 reports and only 3 reports of Casuarinacea. One C. equisitifolia (now C cunninghamiana) and two C. stricta (now Allocasuarina verticillata). two branch failures and one root.

The book "A Californian's Guide to the Trees Among" Us by Matt Ritter gives a description of the group and its use in California. Another reference is the Selectree website selectree.calpoly.edu

85.

Has CTFRP any reports or statistics regarding Washingtonia robusta? Any on palms in general? I have a board member blocking the restoration of a historic park entrance lined with W. robusta because of his perceived belief palms are dangerous.

Posted by Susan Sims on December 23, 2016

Reply posted on December 29, 2016

There are only reports of 22 palm failures in the database. They are as follows: 5 Caryota urens, 5 Phoenix (3 canariensis, 1 dactilifera, 1 robelenii), 6 Syagrrus romanzoffiana and 6 Washingtonia robusta.

Of the Washingtonias, 5 were trunk failures and one branch (frond). One trunk reported decay, the rest none. 6 failed in high winds, one moderate. 5 with precipitation, one none. None of the reported causes of failure was due to structural defects. It was things like lightning, newly planted, trunk damage etc.

84.

Can you please post the failure data for Calocedrus decurrens? Average age, total records, number of trunk failures, limb failures, stats for when failures occurred would all be relevant. Thanks!

20 of these failures happened in Alameda County, 11 in Mariposa and 5 or fewer in 10 other counties.

49 failures occurred in the months of November through March. 42 in residential locations and 9 in parks.

39 failed with some precipitation, 41 in winds over 25mph and 1branch in winds < 5mph.

83.

Our Community Garden has an Eucalyptus camaldulensis, fully mature, large growing tree, with a 37-inch trunk diameter,
the tree is approximately 70-feet tall with a slightly asymmetrical crown spread of 70-feet east to west, 55-feet north to south.
Over the past 22 months, two 12" branches 50' to 58' long have dropped from the tree. Drop occurs during beautiful sunny days with no wind, between 9 AM to 1 PM. We have a Certified Arborist report on this tree and would like to know if you would like it for your statistics.
Would you please give us the stats on this species sudden limb drop.
Thank you

Posted by Ruth Hoffman on October 17, 2016

Reply posted on October 18, 2016

The database has 45 entries for E. camaldulensis. 7 trunk, 5 root and 33 branch. Most of the branch failures happened in the winter with stormy conditions. Two, however, occurred in warm weather and were considered by the contributor to be summer branch drop.

82.

neighbor has euchalyptus over 100 ft aproximately 40 ft from my house yet nearly overhangs house have to sue in order to have removed question is where can I find statistics on deaths and injuries from falling trees by tree species

Posted by douglas meredith on October 17, 2016

Reply posted on October 18, 2016

One suggestion about overhanging branches which might avoid costly litigation is to ask your neighbor if they would agree to mediation. That sometimes works.

On the subject of statistics on deaths and injuries, the question has been asked once before. Check our "Post a Question" Archives for August 26 and 27, 2008. You are unlikely to get to the species level, however.

81.

My 60+ year old Pinus Radiata appears to be dying from the bottom up. It's always exuded sap from various areas. It gets plenty of grey water from my outdoor shower, but it seems to be infested with spider mites. How do I find out if it's saveable?
Robert
San Diego

Posted by Robert Parker on October 4, 2016

Reply posted on October 5, 2016

This site is dedicated to questions about structural tree failures...trunk and branch breaks and uprootings. You can get phone or e-mail advice for your diseased tree from the University of California Cooperative Extension/SanDiego County at cdsandiego.ucanr.edu. For a home visit by a certified arborist go to the American Society of Consulting Arborists asca-consultants.org

80.

I have a sequoia sempervirens sapling that I have been growing in a pot on my balcony in San Francisco. It has grown quite well and stands almost 2 feet tall now. I have a house in South Lake Tahoe at about 6200' elevation on a half-acre lot with only National Forest conservancy land surrounding my property (no neighboring houses around me). I am getting married at my house next August and would love to plant our young redwood in the backyard as part of a tree planting ceremony during our wedding. Could it survive in this alpine environment? There is plenty of snow but I worry that the dry environment won't provide the humidity that allows them to thrive in the coastal zones. Does it have a chance though? And what can I do to increase its chances of survival and growth?

Posted by Katherine on September 27, 2016

Reply posted on September 27, 2016

Call University of California Cooperative Extension Central Sierra for some advice about appropriate trees for South Lake Tahoe. 530-542-2571

79.

I am wondering if the new growth stems coming off the bottom of the trunk of a 70' high Eucalyptus Tree can kill the tree I'd a couple are broken or cut off?

Posted by Donald Roos on September 2, 2016

Reply posted on September 7, 2016

Your best bet is to find the UC Cooperative Extension office in your county to get expert advice.

78.

In El Dorado County, I have an ailing 30 yr old deodor cedar. It has been in decline for approximately 4 years. It is next to a koi pond that may possibly have an underground leak but the soil on top is dry at least a foot down. I am wondering if I should deep water or leave dry? When we bought it, it was labeled "procumbens". It is now at least 40 ft tall. We really want to save this tree. Do you have any ideas?

60% of the failures occurred in the months through November and April.

59 % failed with no precipitation. 49% failed in winds over 25mph

Of the branch failures 55% failed at the point of attachment. Of the trunk failures 33% failed at ground level.

76.

I have 2 silver dollar trees. One sheds it's thin outer layer of bark... constantly. I think that is normal. The other retains it's bark year after year. Its gotten very thick, having 5 to 8 layers of bark currently. I've started wetting the bark and pulling the bark off in pieces. Does this super barky silver dollar tree have a rare tropical disease? Every silver dollar tree Ive ever seen has the constantly shedding bark, except for this one.

Posted by Alice Thudpucker on June 22, 2016

Reply posted on June 23, 2016

This site is primarily use for inquiries about tree failure issues. It may be the case that someone reading your question may wish to answer it, but our database can't. You should contact the University of California Cooperative Extension office in your county for expert advise on horticultural matters.

75.

Magnificent website. A lot of helpful information here. I’m sending it to a few pals and also sharing in delicious. And of course, thank you for your effort!

Posted by Meet Bros on May 31, 2016

Reply posted on May 31, 2016

Thank you!

74.

I'm looking for southern California experience with Erythrina caffra. Have you seen many failures? How and why did they fail?

Posted by Greg Applegate on May 23, 2016

Reply posted on May 24, 2016

We need many more reports from southern California! There are only 11 reports on Erythrina. 2 E. coralloides and 9 E. caffra. All 11 failed in southern California cities. Mean age 19 years, mean ht. 22ft and mean DBH 19 inches. Trunk 5, Branch 5 and Root 1. Decay was present in the root failure and one trunk and one branch. Most commonly reported other defects were multiple trunks and heavy lateral limbs. Some wind was noted in 9 cases. All failed with no precipitation.

73.

My three Coastal Redwoods are showing signs of what Ihave been told is "south-side disease." The first foot or so of each branch have green/new needle growth, followed by a foot or so of dead needles. Heading further to the inside part of the tree is fine for each branch. What can I do besides adding mulch (no closer than a foot from the tre) and irrigating-once or twice a month with an in-ground drip line? I live in Visalia, so we are getting the worst of the droughta and the accompanying hot weather. Thank you for an advice!

What are the fees for enlisting the aid of a consulting arborist for tree type identification ?

Posted by Derek Branum on April 1, 2016

Reply posted on April 1, 2016

Information about consulting arborists can be found at the American Society of Consulting Arborist website www.asca-consultants.org. If all you need is species identification, the University of California Cooperative Extension office in your county can help. Their assistance is free.

71.

I have 7 liquid ambers in my yard in Valencia, CA. All of them are in some state of failing. The branches have turned black and are not producing new growth. Five of them have a small amount of new growth, the other are apparently dead. But the other trees - fruit and birch - are fine. Can you give me any insight? Thanks.

Posted by Megan Howell on March 27, 2016

Reply posted on March 28, 2016

Your best bet is to call the University of California Cooperative Extension office for Los Angeles County for advice. 626-586-1973

70.

My neighbor's camphor tree (35+ years old) has some kind of infestation. It spreads quickly to all new leaves. The leaves initially have spots, which turn black and eventually are almost completely full of small holes. The fallen leaves are are not "orange" in color but beige to almost white. The unknown infestation has spread to neighboring non-fruiting pear trees. I'm fearful it will affect my trees. I've offered to pay for and supervise the removal of the tree (I've even offered to get a new tree) but my neighbor says he is too busy with other problems. What can I do? Our zip code is 95129 in San Jose.

Posted by R. Schiros on March 18, 2016

Reply posted on March 19, 2016

Your best bet is to call the University of California Cooperative Extension office in Santa Clara County for their advice. The number is 408-282-3105

69.

We have a large number of Sequoia sempervirens planted in irrigated turf areas in our parks in Ventura County over the last 25 years that the leaves/branches are mostly yellowing, browning, and graying as we've had to reduce watering by about 30% in the turf.
My informal consult with a number of arborists and other professional employees has lead me to believe the problem is the accumulation of salts in the mostly clay soils with no heavy rain to expel the salts has been killing the trees.
Anyone have a better explaination?

Posted by Paul Friedeborn on March 9, 2016

Reply posted on March 10, 2016

Reply from Larry Costello: Both water and salts could be the problem. However, other factors may be involved as well. I recommend that you contact UC Cooperative Extension in Ventura County for their assessment. One note: If you think salts may be involved, a soils test for salt content would be required to make a determination in this regard. Also, if recycled water is being used in any areas with symptomatic trees, it should be investigated as being a possible cause.

68.

I have a 60' coast redwood 10' from my house on level ground in central Berkeley. Any information on likelihood of it falling in a major earthquake?

Posted by Larry Orman on February 21, 2016

Reply posted on April 8, 2016

Our data show only one tree (not a redwood) that failed during an earthquake. If you have concerns about the structural stability of your tree, you should have it evaluated by a consulting arborist with expertise in structural evaluations. See American Society of Consulting Arborists.

www.asca-consultants.org

67.

Of all fallen trees (uprooted or otherwise)are any statistics kept as to what percentage were healthy? I believe this to be an important statistic since most all city ordinances require a tree to be diseased before removal is granted, no matter the tree's proximity to homes. Thank you.

Posted by Ron Johnston on January 15, 2016

Reply posted on January 16, 2016

First, the failure reports CTFRP receives are only a sampling of the number of failures that occur statewide. Numbers vary year to year and depend on weather and the willingness of cooperators to send in reports. Many cities keep their own statistics regarding their street trees and how that is done will vary. It may be the case that severe structural defects are included in the diseased category. So, you should check with your own municipality for answers.

Also, CTFRP data doesn’t have a field for “Healthy”. We do ask about decay and other structural defects such as lean and multiple trunks. In those cases “None” or “None apparent” can be answered. Sometimes a whole tree will fail when it appears to be healthy (no diseases obvious) and no significant structural defects. These cases are usually associated with stormy weather and saturated soil or conditions such as eroding slopes. The cooperator may then call it a “soil failure” in the narrative section of the report. It is also true that healthy appearing trees sometimes fail due to root decay or girdling or cut roots..all factors that were not obvious prior to the failure.

The decision to remove a tree should be made with the advice of a consulting arborist who has expertise in structural analysis. Check American Society of Consulting Arborists, www.asca-consultants.org, to find one near you.

66.

My male 50 yr. old deodar cedar is showing signs of drought stress. It has lost many
needles in December and the lower and inner branches are becoming sparse with needles and some are dead. However, the upper branches in the tree are fuller with needles. How much and how often should I be watering a 3 ft diameter tree? Should I fertilize it for nutrients in December? Should I have it pruned? In addition, it is surrounding by a 4 foot radius/ring of heavy 10-20 lb rocks. Is this a problem?
Thank you.

Posted by Dan Molina on December 19, 2015

Reply posted on January 13, 2016

Contact the UC Cooperative Extension in your county for expert horticultural advice.

65.

How can I rid my yard of beetle grubs that killed my neighbors Eucalyptus tree before it kills my eucalyptus tree? I've been firing them for years and they just keep coming back. I need a super powerful agent if there is one. Thanks so much for any suggestions. Pauline

Posted by Pauline McAuliffe on December 1, 2015

Reply posted on December 2, 2015

Our data can't help with that. Please contact the University of California Cooperative Extension in your county for pest control information.

64.

I have a coast redwood i manage. It it planted in a lawn very close to a building and road. it drops large limbs frequently. http://lupomare.com
Best Health News at http://hbnews24.com

Posted by lupomare on October 31, 2015

63.

i guess it wouldnt make a very convincing report, but is it possible that I may have the reason for tree failure. Thanking you for all your information. I found the info pertaining the pyrus calleryana just after I posted my question, but your information was much more elaborate. Thanking you for all your help and time - Naomi B

Posted by Naomi Billington on October 28, 2015

62.

Could i please have any information pertaining to tree failures with the Allocasuarina torulosa species. thanking you so much

Posted by Naomi Billington on October 25, 2015

Reply posted on October 27, 2015

We only have one report on that species.

61.

Could you please supply me with any of the Pyrus calleryana cultivars statistics on limb breakages, splitting or tree failures. Thanking you

Precipitation: only 43 reports included precipitation, but of those 25 reported none and 18 reported some.

60.

Hi Katherine,
Can you post the latest statistics of coast redwoods please. Are there any reports of summer branch drop in redwoods?
Thanks for all you do to make this database possible.

Posted by Ruth Stiles on September 13, 2015

Reply posted on September 14, 2015

There are 116 reports of coast redwood failures out of 5776 reports to date.

Trunk 58, Branch 24 and Root 34

No structural defects were noted in 18% of cases and the most commonly reported defect was multiple trunks/co-dominance in 27% of cases. No decay was noted in 59% of cases,

77% of branch failures were between 5-12 inches in diameter.

85% of failures occurred in months of November-April and 15% in May-October. None of the cooperators mentioned summer branch drop as a cause of the failure.

73% (out of 102 reports) were planted trees, not natural stands.

75% failed in high (25mph or over) winds.

Precipitation was noted in 68% of cases.

59.

What info do you have for mature ash?

Posted by Andy Butcher on August 24, 2015

Reply posted on August 27, 2015

The genus Fraxinus accounts for 202 reports out of 5776 reports to date,

F. velutina 141

F. udei 18

F holotricia 16

F. angustifolia 15 Less than 5 each for species unknown or five other species.

Branch 115, Trunk 33, Root 54

Mean age 35 years, DBH 23 inches , Height 40 ft.

Ages: 74 missing, less than 10 years 10, 11-25years 39 and 25 years and over 79

Most of these are cool weather failures, only 20% failed between May and September.

75% occurred in high use areas.

71% reported no decay present.

Most commonly reported other defects:

Multiple trunks/codominant stems 43 (24%)

Heavy lateral limbs 43 (24%)

Included bark 24 (13%)

Of the branch failures, 78% failed at the point of attachment.

89% failed in medium to high wind and 60% with some precipitation.

58.

I have an ash tree in the front yard that this umber over a 2 month span has developed cracks. The cracks are longitudinal along the limbs and very straight they almost look sawed they are so straight. What is happening to my tree? Are their other ashes in the SF Bay area doing the same thing?

Posted by J. Tipton-King on August 20, 2015

Reply posted on September 3, 2015

It may be the case that others are noticing this phenomenon, but our data doesn't show it. We only have one report of an ash failure in 2015. From the data on ash as a whole only 5 reports mention cracks as a defect. See the next question for a more complete report on Ash.

57.

There is collective concern throughout our Vallejo close=knit B St. community with regard to the health and welfare of the strikingly beautiful giant Deodara tree situated between the curb and sidewalk in front of 81 B St, Vallejo CA. Tree is of enormous girth, well over 100' height - massive suspect limb supporting 2 large additional branches connecting 6' from main trunk. Of particular interest is a small sunken/blackened/sap oozing, weight-bearing area, approx. 3' L x 7"W situated at the "armpit" juncture. Within that same area is a small bark-less spot. The tree appears healthy overall, minus this one weight-bearing spot. I'm reaching out to Dr. Costello, as I happened to catch him this evening on NBC News San Jose. We've had little to no response from the City in terms of having an arborist inspection. Thank you.

Posted by Jim Earley on August 4, 2015

Reply posted on August 27, 2015

Question referred to L. Costello.

56.

How are arborists supposed to protect themselves from sudden limb failure while trimming large Lemon Eucalyptus Citriodora?

Posted by Brad on July 21, 2015

Reply posted on July 22, 2015

Good question, especially from Hawaii where temperatures can be high year round. CTFRP only collects data from California locations and there are only 11 E. citriodora branch failures reported. Only one of those is attributed to summer limb failure and only four occurred in the summer (July) with temperatures in the 80's. A suggestion for the long term is for arborists from Hawaii to collect data on tree failures and report them to the International Tree Failure Database http://svinetfc8.fs.fed.us/natfdb/

55.

I live in big bear,California my nabors tree is splitting in half. One Side is going to fall on my fences and ahead. Who do I call or what do I do.

Posted by nicole jimenez on June 17, 2015

Reply posted on June 18, 2015

Your county or municipality may have guidelines regarding trees and adjoining properties, so try them first. You also may want to solicit advice from a consulting arborist who has expertise in tree risk assessment. Go to ASCA-consultants.org to find one in your area. It may also be wise to include your neighbor in your discussions.

54.

We live in Rio Linda and have several species of trees on our property. Our almond tree is having an "issue." Some critter has bored holes all over it. The holes are big enough to stick the pointy end of a pencil inside. They are evenly spaced and very symmetrical, encircling the tree. The trunk and branches as far up as we can see are affected. What can have done this? m Can we send you a sample? OR...
Do you ever do "home visits?" We don't want this whatever to spread to other trees. We'd like to know should we cut it down? (It is right under the power line leading to our house) OR is there a treatment?
You help would be greatly appreciated. We cannot afford to pay for the services an
arborist or tree-cutter.

Posted by Sheila Gallegos on June 9, 2015

Reply posted on June 10, 2015

Since Rio Linda is in Sacramento County you should contact the University of California Cooperative Extension Sacramento County Horticulture Advisor Chuck Ingels 916-875-6527 or the Sacramento County Master Gardeners 916-876- 5338. The Cooperative Extension does accept samples and the service is free. Call first. A photo would help....what you describe sounds like damage by a bird called a sapsucker.

There are 107 reports of Eucalyptus sideroxylon out of 5776 total reports in the database. Branch 72, Trunk 29 and Root 6. Mean age 26 years, mean DBH 18 inches, mean height 41 ft. and mean crown spread 25 ft. The most commonly reported structural defects are heavy lateral limbs 35%, multiple trunks 16%, Included bark 13% and dense crown 12%. No decay was noted in 30% of trunk failures, 46% of branch failures and 4% of root failures.

Of the branch failures 35% failed at the point of attachment and 48% were 5-12 inches in diameter.

86% failed in medium to high use areas.

73% of failures occurred in the months of November -March. Precipitation was a factor in 58% of cases and medium to high winds in 85 % of cases.

52.

I have been looking for a good company to trim a tree in my backyard. It has caused a lot of issues among my neighbors because it reaches over into their yard. What options do I have as far as trimming? http://www.darrelemelstreeservice.com/Services/

Posted by Regina Peterson on March 10, 2015

51.

If you cannot get a clear answer defining property boundries it may require the services of a licensed surveyor. I have seen this settle disputes in regards to root encroatchment, fallen trees, wrongful tree removal and trees that may pose un unreasonable risk to neighboring properties. The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) has developed a tree risk assessment qualification called TRAQ. Prior to TRAQ qualification there was a program called TRACE (Tree Risk Assessment Certification). Members of the American Society of Consulting Arborist (ASCA), Registered Consulting Arborist who are members of ASCA, ISA Board Certified Master Arborist, ISA Certified Arborist are all qualified to recieve the TRAQ qualification training and testing. Your average tree service may not be qualified to assess tree risk compententy so be careful which advice you take seriously. You may also ask your chosen professional for advice if they are familiar with the California Tree Failure Program (CTFRP). Chances are if they are not familiar with (CTFRP) or have never received designation as a TRAQ OR TRACE certifcation or qualification you may take a risk hiring them for advice and that advice may be poor. Lastly, expect to pay a fee for competent advice.

Posted by Mark Porter on February 25, 2015

50.

I live at the base of a hill which it covered with failing pine trees due to age, pitch canker.
I believe these tress are a threat to my home and those of my neighbors.
My question is whose property is this? The people who live up above the
Trees? PG&E? The Jefferson school district? My address is 1687 sweet wood dr.,
Broadmore village, colma. Some one needs to take responsibility for thes trees. Please help.

Posted by Mary crespo on February 6, 2015

Reply posted on February 6, 2015

The tree failure database can't help with your inquiry, but we suggest you try Colma city government. Try Public Works at publicworks@colma.ca.gov They might already be aware of problems on the property.

49.

Do you have any information on the failures of the cupressus sempervirens - var fastigata? Information would be very much appreciated.

Posted by Naomi Billington on October 7, 2014

Reply posted on October 7, 2014

There are only 10 reports of Cupressus sempervirens, Italian cypress. 7 root, 2 branch and 1 trunk. Mean age 44 years, mean Height 51 ft and mean DBH 21 inches. Decay was noted in 4 cases (1 trunk, 1 branch and 2 root).All failed in northern CA locations between November and February in mostly stormy conditions.

48.

Do you have any information relating to eucalyptus ovata; specificallly co-dominant failure?

Posted by Naomi Billiongton on August 8, 2014

Reply posted on August 9, 2014

I'm sorry. We have no reports on Eucalyptus ovata.

47.

I was given two 15 gal ironbark eucalyptus trees. They are not in the ground yet and some of the leaves are showing what looks like a pale water mark on the tip of the leaves to the center of the leaf. They look like they are dying and some are curling up. There are a few new sprouts on the top of the tree but the it appears that some of the lower branches are affected and a few twigs are dead. any suggestions as to how to cure this - I am afraid it might infect my permanent and older trees.

Posted by jackie on August 2, 2014

Reply posted on August 2, 2014

Sorry, CTFRP data can't help with this. Suggest you find your county Cooperative Extension office and ask for help there.

46.

We have a Sycamore planted by the city 22 years ago. We had it trimmed by an arborist (chosen from list provided by city) about 5 years ago. In the past 2 weeks, it has dropped two limbs. It looks healthy, but obviously something is wrong. Any advice would be appreciated.

Posted by C. Hodge on July 23, 2014

Reply posted on July 24, 2014

Platanus is a genus that is known to experience a phenomenon called "Summer Branch Drop" Suggest you google "Journal of Arboriculture April 1983 Summer Branch Drop" for a detailed discussion of the phenomenon. This may have been the case with your tree, but you should also have it inspected by an arborist who is experienced in hazard assessment.See the American Society of Consulting Arborists to find one in your area.http://asca-consultants.org

45.

I have a Deodor Cedar in my front yard. The house was built in 1910 and a photo (1917) of the front yard did not have the tree in it. We believe the tree was planted after Christmas perhaps in the 1950's. We have lived here since 2000 and 3 times large branches have fallen; 2001, 2008, 2013. So far no structure has been damaged and no being killed. The last time a branch fell was SECONDS after a group of children were walking under it on their way to school. If the branch had hit any or all of them, some would have been killed. We are petioning the city of South Pasadena to remove the tree. I am trying to gather information on why this tree drops branches. All 3 times there has been no wind. It also drops a large amount of needles all year. Any help would be appreciated.

Posted by K. Evans on June 17, 2014

Reply posted on June 18, 2014

We have 86 reports of Cedrus deodara failures. 66 (77%) are branch failures. The average diameter of the branch at point of failure is 11 inches. 47 failed away from the attachment (average distance from attachment is 4 ft.) The mean age of the trees with with branch failures is 58 years and trunk diameter is 35 inches.

Heavy lateral limbs is the most commonly reported structural defect and no decay was noted in 50 (76%) of branch failures.

29 reports (cooperators comments) attributed the failures to heavy lateral limbs with end weight and 8 of those suggested "summer limb drop" For discussions of this phenomenon see Archives, 7/26/2006 and 7/31/2009

44.

How many root failures of Calocedrus decurrens (Incense Cedar) have been reported? Where were they? What other failures of Incense Cedar have been reported?

I'm seeing on several of my liquid amber tress and others in the city entire main branches dying. I have one 10-12 year old liquid amber tree that was alive and full of leaves last year just die? Are there any diseases or explanations for the dying branches or entire trees. Glendora, CA

We have 114 reports of Sequoia sempervirens. 57 are trunk failures. Of those, 28 listed codominance (18 with included bark) as the primary defect that led to failure. The reasons for the codominance are not always known. Some mention intentional topping, some accidental factors such as lightning strikes.

41.

Has there been any substantial change in the stats for Eucalyptus polyanthemos since your comments from September 2012?

Posted by Ruth Stiles on April 15, 2014

Reply posted on April 15, 2014

Four more reports since then. All branch failures away from attachment. Mean height 36.25 ft. Mean DBH 16.5 inches. No decay noted. All failed in high winds and rain.

40.

In Ventura County it seems that there is some type of disease killing Sequoia Sempervirens that line the street on Tierra Rejada Road. The majority of them are failing and the nurseries have the same issue on their container grown stock. The tree damage looks like they have received no water but it starts mainly on one side and eventually all around. The city f Moorpark has been cutting them down but they don't know why they have been dying. Any help would be appreciated.

60% of branch failures occurred at the point of attachment. 44%of trunk failures occurred at ground level.

61% of failures occurred in the months November-March.

Precipitation: None 44%, some 56%

Wind: 25mph 39% (occurred in 30 of 63 root failures)

38.

Hi I live in Sacramento and I have several large beautiful redwoods in my backyard and noticed the other day that my nieghbor was reaching over my fence and cutting the limbs off my trees then throwing their strubs and garden waste over the fence into my back yard. Help! what can I do?

Posted by Bick lam on November 11, 2013

Reply posted on November 12, 2013

CTFRP data can't help with this problem. An analysis of the damage to the trees can be done by a consulting arborist. Find one at http://asca-consultants.org. If you and your neighbor are unable to come to an agreement over this issue, an independant arbitrator might help.

37.

Any old or new failures reported for Washingtonia robusta? If so what were the number and type (cause)?

Posted by Mark Porter on October 3, 2013

Reply posted on October 7, 2013

There are only 6 reports on Washingtonia robusta. Four from northern CA and two from Los Angeles. 5 Trunk, 1 Branch

Mean Ht. 51 ft. Mean DBH 25 inches. All failed in high use areas between December and March in mostly high winds.

Of the trunk failures two failed at ground level and three at 30-40 ft.

No decay noted except for one of the trunk failures. Cracks/splits noted three times. Cause of failure for two trees was lightning strikes.

36.

I have two oak trees in my yard. One is raining acorns this year and dropped a big branch a couple of weeks ago. The other one is not dropping an unusual amount of acorns nor are the neighbors trees. Is there a problem with this tree. There is not leaf drop and it looks okay. It is a very large and old tree.

Posted by cindy whitcher on September 3, 2013

Reply posted on September 3, 2013

Sometimes branches with no obvious defects fail in the summer in calm conditions. Oaks, in particular Quercus lobata (valley oak), are subject to this phenomenon. See a discussion about this in "Post a Question /Archives" on July 26, 2006.

It's a wise practice for any old tree to have it inspected periodically by an arborist who has expertise in hazard assessment. See American Society of Consulting Arborists http://asca-consultants.org to find one near you.

81% failed in medium to high use areas (51% residential). Some precipitation in 66 (67%) cases and 77 (76%) failed in high (over 25mph) winds.

Branch failures: 22 of 113. Mean branch diameter at point of failure: 6.3 inches. 17 (77%) failed at point of attachment in high (over 25mph) winds. Primary structural defect (7 cases): heavy lateral limb. No decay noted in 88% of cases. No pruning observed in 79% of cases. 13 (62%) failed in the rain.

34.

In Petaluma I am frequently asked to do a tree risk assessment on Seqouia sempervirens, frequently in the neighbor's yard. Apparently many were planted in the 1970's, and as they are coming into height now, they are worrisome. The last time I asked for information was July, 2012. I would like to know if there is updated information.

Posted by Ellen Solomon on August 9, 2013

Reply posted on August 22, 2013

There is little new information on redwood failures, but see Comment #35 for an update of general information and branch failures. You also asked about root failures. Of a total of 113 reports 34 (30%) are root failures. Mean DBH 27 inches and mean Height 57 ft. Root decay was noted in 19 (61%) cases. 91% of failures happened in the months of November-March. Saturated soil was reported in 13 (45%) of cases. Some precipitation was present in 66% of cases and 73% failed in high (over 25mph) winds. An additional note on trunk failures: 86% failed above ground level and 20% mentioned multiple trunks/codominance as a defect.

33.

Response to comment #32:
For many (if not most) species, there is no direct relationship between water uptake by roots on one side of the tree and water movement to the branches located on the same side of the tree. Water conducting elements (xylem vessels in hardwoods) are not organized in stacked vertical columns up and down the trunk. Rather, they have a spiral orientation so that water uptake on one side of the root system may or may not supply one side of the tree --- it depends on the organization/orientation of the xylem elements within the trunk. A branch on the other side of the tree could easily be supplied with water taken up on the opposite side of the root system. When you supplied water to your fig, it just so happened that water uptake on the irrigated side moved to branches on the same side --- or a least that's what appears to have happened. I doubt that there is a structural relationship between roots on one side of the tree and branches on the same side --- except for the fact that the roots anchor the tree and, therefore, the branch.

Posted by Larry Costello on July 22, 2013

32.

Does the data show any limb failure on the same side of tree as root damage?
During a drought I watered only one side of a large Kadota Fig tree. Only that side of the tree ripened fruit that year, the rest shriveled and aborted.
If such a root-to-limb connection exists on other species, could damaged roots on one side of a tree be the cause of limb failure on that side and therefore be reason for not condeming the whole tree as dangerous?
If there is no data, could a question be included on the report form to elicit such info ?

Posted by Chuck Williams on July 15, 2013

31.

Are there any records of Coast redwood trunk or root failure associated with a burl at the root collar / trunk base?
Thanks,
Roger

Posted by Roger Edberg on July 8, 2013

Reply posted on July 9, 2013

Of 92 trunk and root failures of Sequoia sempervirens two reports attribute the presence of burls to the failure.

Comment #1: "Heavy rain, gusty wind up to 50mph combined with a defect in the base of the trunk: the top of the root system formed a bowl of burlwood with the tree trunk sitting in it like a ball in a socket connected only by a small area of decayed inner wood."

Comment #2: "Inspection had noted good taper. Inspection after failure noted that taper was in fact burlwood with no roots beneath the trunk."

30.

I was hoping to post a question which is: how to I access whether or not any Torrey pine whole tree failures have been posted to the tree failure database.

Posted by Ted Safford on May 3, 2013

Reply posted on May 3, 2013

There are only five reports on Pinus torreyana in the database. Four from the SF Bay Area and one (branch failure) from San Diego. We need more reports from southern CA!!

One trunk, two branch and two root (whole tree).

Mean Age: 66 years, mean DBH 38 inches and mean Height 74 ft.

One of the whole tree failures had a severe lean and the other one was on a slope and had root decay on the uphill side. Both failed in winds of 5mph or less. There was no precipitation at the time of any of the failures.

29.

In 1991 the original owner of my home planted 15 Deodor Cedars all along the south side of the property spaced at 10 foot intervals. From old pictures I estimate the trees were 6-7 feet at planting time. In 2000 we bought the property, after all the trees had already been topped. In August 2000 there was already new growth so I guess they were topped summer of 1999 (8 years after planting). My wife and I were dumb founded that he had done this. My guess is the real estate agent told him to top the trees so he could list his home as having "views of lake, river, mountains." Incidentally that view was only visible from the upstairs master bedroom window and was un-impressive to begin with. So a total, and shameful, waste.
Anyway I figure the trees were topped at 11 feet from the ground removing the top 1/3 of the tree. Those trees have continued to grow remarkably well but as you can imagine the butcher-job led to abnormal growth with multiple leaders and now multiple tops in the trees. The trees are all about 40 feet tall now and are beautiful trees although they do not have the classic look o the Deodar due to multiple tops. When you go under the trees to inspect the trunk at the point where it was amputated, it is almost monstrous to see the abnormal bends, and octupus-like contortions the multiple leaders took to compete for light while trying to become the new top. Some trees have 4 tops now.
It rarely snows very where I live. Maybe twice since 2000 were there major accumulations (2 feet) on the ground for a week. The last big snow was about 7 years ago and 6 or 8 large lateral branches did fail on the trees.
Also note that 1 of these Cedars were taken out 6 years ago by Pacific Power as it was too close to their transmission lines. In its place I planted one Thuga Standishii x plicata (Green Giant Arborvitae) which has done great and is now over 20 feet tall and 8 foot wide starting from a Christmas tree size planting.
This is what I am struggling with. In my heart I really do not want to destroy these trees... but
1. As time goes by will the Deodar Cedars become more and more dangerous.
2. My house is a target for at least 8 of these trees. All of them have the potential to fall into a well traveled road.
3. With the next heavy snow/wind storm will these trees suffer enough damage to become dangerous or unsightly?
4. Am I better off removing all of them now so that I can plant a new hedge row of more suitable trees or should I just wait
and let my actions be dictated by future events?
5. I am planning to live in this house another 15 years. If left, will these 60 foot (by then) trees be a total liability when trying to sell the house.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated

Posted by David Hill on March 26, 2013

Reply posted on March 27, 2013

You have important decisions to make about your trees and our recommendation is that you do it with the advice of an arboricultural consultant with expertise in hazard assessment. See http://ascaconsultants.org to find one in your area.

There are 82 cases of Cedrus deodara failures in the database. 61 are branch failures. The mean diameter of the branches at point of failure is 11 inches. 45 failed out on the limb and 16 at the attachment. No decay was observed in 48 of the branch failures and the structural defect "heavy lateral limbs" was reported in 31 cases. 41 branches failed under conditions of no precipitation. 26 branches failed in winds less than 5 mph, 25 in winds 5-25 mph and 15 in winds over 25 mph.

28.

Are there any reports or comments on Eucalyptus cladocalyx, sugar gum?

Posted by Greg Applegate on March 25, 2013

Reply posted on March 25, 2013

There are only 5 reports of E. cladocalyx. Four came from southern California locations. Mean age 44 years, mean Ht 68 ft., mean DBH 34 inches and mean crown spread 49 ft.

One root failure and 4 branch failures. All branch failures occurred away from the point of attachment. Defects listed are heavy lateral limbs, dense crown, and uneven branch distribution. No decay for all five. 3 failed in winds below 5mph. Precipitation: 3 none and 2 rain. One branch failure was thought to be "summer limb drop"

27.

On this statistical report: http://ucanr.edu/sites/treefail/CTFRP_Statistics/ I don't see a period of time. Please tell me the period of time that is being reported.
Also, it would be very helpful to put this report into perspective, if we knew the total population of the tree genera and species being reported. For exmaple, if there are far more oaks than eucalyptus, then a higher rate of failure would be likly. Or is there another way to look at it?
This is the first time I've visited this website. IT'S WONDERFUL. Thanks so much for this valuable information.

Posted by Mary McAllister on February 13, 2013

Reply posted on February 13, 2013

Unfortunately, total population information for any species in any location is hard to come by, so we aren't able to look at the data that way. The best way to look at it is "Report numbers for species do not provide an assessment of the frequency of failure for the species (i.e., how often a species fails relative to its occurrence in a population of trees). Rather, it is likely the data reflect the relative abundance of a species in the areas from which reports are being received" You may notice that the majority of reports originate from the San Francisco Bay Area and that's not because failures occur more often there, but because more cooperators send in reports from there.

If you are interested in comparing species, rather than ask "Are oaks more likely to fail than euks?"you might ask "How do the failure patterns differ between oaks and eucalyptus?" Look at the "Species Profiles" page for examples.

The 50plus list is derived from the current database which includes all the reports received dating back to 1987.

26.

On review of photos of branch (limb)failures, it appears that bark inclusion with resulting fungal and other decay may have led, or at least contributed, to the failure. Is this true?

Posted by Celeste Whitlow on January 29, 2013

Reply posted on January 29, 2013

Bark inclusion and decay are commonly associated with limb failure, but I don't know which photo(s) you are talking about.

26 branch failures occurred in winds less than 5mph. All of the other failures reported winds over 5mph.

Precipitation: None:43, Some: 32

24.

This question has recently been asked..Can I get a record of the failure reports I've submitted in the past?

Posted by Katherine Jones on December 14, 2012

Reply posted on December 15, 2012

Yes, you can. E-mail me at treefail@mac.com.Tell me your name and e-mail address and I will send you the records you have submitted in Excel or FileMaker format.

23.

I found an old comment (Mark Porter in 2009) asking about tree failures during earthquakes. Have there been any additional earthquake related tree failures reported?
Thanks
Glen

Posted by Glen Williams on November 29, 2012

Reply posted on November 29, 2012

No, there haven't.

22.

I live in Sonoma County with a 40-year-old silver-dollar eucalyptus in front. It appears healthy to me, has only ever lost 1 major branch (early 80s), 2 moderate-large ones (early 90s, early 00s), there are no other trees nearby, and the ground is adobe clay. In 2004 the city arborist evaluated it as healthy & safe after a nervous neighbor asked the city to force us to remove it; we then had pros severely trim it & add steel reinforcement cables on major branches to be neighborly.
The neighbor started pressuring us yet again last week to have it removed, claiming that it will drop a gigantic branch or fall on his house. What do your records (and/or experience) suggest the chances are of a healthy single eucalyptus like mine toppling over or losing major branches -- and if it's a potential danger, would having it thinned help, or just make it more dangerous this close to Fall? Thank you in advance for your help.

Posted by D-- on September 19, 2012

Reply posted on September 19, 2012

Of 5366 reports in the CTFRP database to date, 24 are silver dollar gum, Eucalyptus polyanthemos. Mean age 20 years, mean height 41 ft. and mean DBH 20 inches. Failure type: Trunk 8, Branch 13 and Root 3. No decay was noted in 18 cases, some in 4 and unknown in 2. Other structural defects associated with the failures were heavy lateral limbs, multiple trunks/codominant stems, embedded bark and multiple branches arising from the same point.

It sounds as though you are doing the best you can to try to keep your tree safe. As the tree ages, it would be wise to have it inspected periodically by an arborist who is expert in structural analysis. See the American Society of Consulting Arborists http://asca-consulstants.org

21.

Do you have any information regarding the potential failure of red fir (Abies magnifica)? The tree in question is a large one 80 to 120 ft tall, with a damaged top, (possibly lightenening?), dropping limbs, in Healdsburg.

Posted by Ellen Solomon on August 29, 2012

Reply posted on August 29, 2012

There is only one report for Abies magnifica in the CTFRP database. This is a species that is seldom seen in urban locations, so perhaps someone from the Forest Service would be willing to share his/her experience with the species.

20.

Please do you have information on likelihood of failure in coast redwood located in Healdsburg. The tree appears stable but has codominant trunks 60 to 70 feet tall. There is some branch dieback, probably from excess salts in the water, but the root zone appears healthy and the tree appears completely stable. The owners are afraid of failure in wind.

Posted by Ellen Solomon on July 25, 2012

Reply posted on July 25, 2012

CTFRP data on redwood trunk failures has not changed since Comment #13 on 02/23/12. The likelihood of failure of any individual tree should be based on a careful examination of the tree by someone who has expertise in structural assessment.

19.

Stats on Ailanthus altissima please.

Posted by Mark Porter on July 6, 2012

Reply posted on July 18, 2012

We only have 15 reports on Ailanthus altissima. Trunk 7, Branch 5 and Root 3. Mean age 37 years, mean Height 41 ft. and mean DBH 25 inches. Decay was noted in 8 cases. Other structural defects include included bark (8 cases) and lean (4 cases). All of the reports originated from northern Californa Counties. No pruning at failure location was noted in 10 cases. No precipitation was noted in 10 cases and 9 failed in moderate to high winds

The majority of the reports came from northern California counties and one from Riverside and one from Los Angeles county.

76% of the failures happened in the months November-March.

No decay was noted in 81% of the failures. Other commonly reported structural defects include Multiple trunks/co-dominance 32%, Heavy lateral limbs 22% and Dense crown 11%

70% of the failures happened in winds of over 25 mph.

17.

We have a very large, very mature, Monterey Pine in our front yard in the Monterey/Carmel area. The roots are uplifting quickly and causing damage to our driveway. What are the causes of rapidly uplifting roots of Monterey Pines? How does this effect teh stability of teh tree? If we cut the roots to repair teh dirveway, how do we asses the future stability of the tree?

Posted by Steve Kenfield on May 27, 2012

Reply posted on May 28, 2012

These questions can't be answered by CTFRP data. An on-site evaluation of the tree is needed to determine what the results of root cutting might be. Contact the American society of Consulting Arborists http://asca-consultants.org.

16.

Can you post date on the Blue Gum eucalyptus. Our home sits 20' from the base of ~100' tall, 150 year old Blue Gum Eucalyptus. We have 5 in a row in the front of our home, but only own two and are now petitioning the city of Benicia to allow us to remove after a large limb dropped into our driveway last week. We petitioned in 2007 after a limb drop and damage to our driveway but we were denied-the city stating these are heritage trees. These trees have been pruned prior to our moving into our home to look like lollipops and now tower over our home. As we lay in our beds at night, with the slightest amount of wind, it sounds like our home is under a fire storm. I have a 6 year old daughter and many concerns with her playing out front since this latest limb drop. The branch is probably 12' long and 60 pounds, falling from about 60' up. Despite our maintenance, they remain unsafe and we are trying to gather as much information about these trees aas we can. Thank you.

Posted by L. Scipione on May 14, 2012

Reply posted on May 16, 2012

CTFRP data is insufficient to accurately compare failure potential among species. As data accumulates, it is hoped that failure patterns for individual species will emerge. When a question arises about the hazard potential for an an individual tree, it is always best to have an expert analysis done. You can find an expert by consulting the American Society of Consulting Arborists website at http://asca-consultants.org

We live in Pasadena, CA. In a terrible windstorm recently (125 mph winds) a large Chinese elm in our yard fell. The trunk was completely hollow, though there was nothing visible on the outside. Our gardener says that the hollowing was caused by a fungus and we should not plant another tree there. A horticulturist told us that a young healthy tree would be resistive to fungus and would be fine in that spot. Which is correct? And if the gardener is correct, how far do we have to be from where the old tree was in order to plant safely? Or is there a treatment we can apply to get rid of the fungus? Thanks very much.

Posted by Christine Celata on April 5, 2012

Reply posted on April 6, 2012

For an expert opinion, you can find a consulting arbortist in your location at http://asca-consultants.org

14.

Why would a perfectly healthy and green frond on a queen palm suddenly droop?

Posted by Lew Polin on March 9, 2012

13.

I am wandering if you have any information on large sequoias with codominant stems and likelihood of failure?

Posted by Chad on February 23, 2012

Reply posted on February 23, 2012

There are too few reports on Sequoia sempervirens trunk failures to be predictive, but so far we have reports on 110 redwood failures and 54 of those are trunk failures. The mean height at the point of failure is 30 ft. The mean diameter at the point of failure is 16 inches. Multiple trunks/codominant stems was mentioned as a defect in 25 cases and included bark in 14 cases. No decay in 30 cases, some in 20 cases and in 4 cases decay was not reported. 39 failed in high winds.

12.

In SF and Alameda counties, what are the stats on root failures for mature (over 20 yrs) Pinus pinea following root cutting?

Posted by J.Young on February 11, 2012

Reply posted on February 11, 2012

There are 154 reports of P. pinea failures in the database. 57 of those are root failures and only five are from Alameda and San Francisco counties. None of the five report root cutting or root pruning, but kinked/girdling roots are listed as defects twice.

For all 57 of the root failures, two mention root pruning, two root cutting and kinked/girdling roots are listed as defects 12 times.

11.

Has anyone noticed the large amount of diseased or dying cottonwoods in the bay area(especially in the South Bay, along the Guadalupe near the airport)? I've noticed numerous trees that appear to have cankers. The diseased cottonwoods seem to be of all ages; the older cottonwoods seem to fight off the disease better. I sent a sample to the lab back in 2009 and had it identified as Cytospora chrysosperma detected in culture from canker margin (teleomorph = Valsa sordida). Though I must say it looks more like a fusiform to me. I have found these dead and dying trees throughout Santa Clara County.

Posted by Suzanne Remien on November 28, 2011

10.

Looking for any data regarding London Plane "Sycamore" limb failures or entire tree failures? At the 2011 annual meeting in Filoli, we had a speaker present London Planes in Europe, somewhere, I believe it was in Italy. Sycamores that had been topped many years ago and they had O limb failures with their new growth. Growth was double the trees height, over 60 or 70 ft. Where can I see his data?

Posted by Flavio Urena on October 18, 2011

Reply posted on October 19, 2011

London plane is the most widely planted street in the San Francisco Bay area, yet out of 5253 reports to date, only 17 failure reports have been filed for the species. Trunk: 6, Branch: 9 and Root:2

Regarding Comment #8: The dieback is likely caused by redwood canker (Coryneum sp.). It's a bit of an odd disease because only certain redwoods get it and, after dieback of the top and/or upper branches, it does not seem to develop much more. The recommendation is to prune out the affected parts and provide water (if possible).

Posted by Larry Costello on August 1, 2011

8.

What could be the cause of a Coast Redwood dying back starting at the highest branches? There are dozens of mature redwoods in a five or six square block area of Campbell, but only two have suffered from this condition. The two trees are about one-half mile apart, and one of them has been removed. The stump shows absolutely no indication of rot or decay. In fact the removed tree was one trunk of a twin tree, and the remaining half is perfectly healthy. The other mature tree had to be topped (about 40' was removed) last year, a little more dieback occurred, then stopped. Now the remaining portion (about 80') looks healthy and has sprouted new growth below the cut. Any idea what is going on?

Posted by barry shilman on July 23, 2011

Reply posted on July 24, 2011

This phenomenon has occurred in several locations in the Bay Area and a fungus disease may have been involved in some cases. There is no information about it in CTFRP data, however. Your question will be referred to someone who may have better information. Stay tuned.

7.

WHY AM I RESPONCEIBLE FOR A EUCALYPTUS TREE THAT WAS PLANTED EIGHTY YEARS AGO IN A CREEK BEHIND MY PROPERTY
CASTRO VALLEY CREEK
LEE LAYNE
650-771-5001

Posted by LEE LAYNE on May 4, 2011

6.

Katherine or whoever can provide real statistics
I am looking for the specifics on the number of failures, the types of failures, times of failures, location, etc for Eucalyptus polyanthemos

Posted by Greg Applegate on April 20, 2011

Reply posted on April 20, 2011

There are only 22 reports for E. polyanthemos. 8 trunk, 11 branch and 3 root. Mean Ht. 41ft., mean DBH 18 inches and mean age 20 years. 17 failed between November and March. 19 reports originated from northern California counties and 3 from southern California.

For the branch failures, 7 failed at the point of attachment. There was no decay noted in all but one of the branch failures. Most commonly reported defects were included bark and heavy lateral limbs.

For the trunk failures, 2 failed at ground level and the remainder from 6-30 ft. above ground. No decay noted in five trunk failures and multiple trunks and codominance were the most commonly reported structural defects.

Two of the 3 root failures reported no decay.

Weather factors: 19 failed in moderate to high wind. 3 did not report wind speed. 14 failed in the rain.

5.

Stats on root failures for Quercus agrifolia please.

Posted by Mark Porter on April 15, 2011

Reply posted on April 20, 2011

There are 550 reports on Quercus agrifolia (coast live oak) failures. 208 (38%) are root failures. 72% of root failures occurred when the trees were between 26 and 100 years old. 83% of the root failures had a DBH of between 13 and 42 inches. Mean crown diameter is 45 ft. 82% of the root failures occurred in the months of November through March.

I have a coast redwood i manage. It it planted in a lawn very close to a building and road. it drops large limbs frequently. It seems to me this tree is over watered and over fertilized. i cannot seem to find anything wrong with it other than it produces large amounts of new growth that i believe causes the limbs to get heavy and break away at the trunk. could this be caused by anything else.

Posted by Jonathan Ferrante on March 21, 2011

Reply posted on April 20, 2011

CTFRP data shows that of 18 redwood branch failures reported, 15 (83%) failed at the point of attachment. Cultural practices such as watering and fertilizing are not reported for branch failures.

3.

I have a 50 year old italian stone pine and is being taken out and I would like to save it and would like to know if it is possible?

Posted by toni on December 5, 2010

Reply posted on December 6, 2010

This is not a question the CTFRP data can answer. You'll need to consult experts in "large tree removal" to evaluate your situation.

2.

Our old Valley Oak has experienced seven limb drops in the past 20 years. Is this an unusually high number of limb failures for a single tree? The tree is approx. 80' tall with a trunk circumference of 204" and is located close to the Sacramento river. One large branch is showing a flattened area on one side, and I am concerned that the health of the tree is declining. I am seeking information from several sources, and I welcome any input you have.

Posted by S. Link on November 7, 2010

Reply posted on November 7, 2010

CTFRP data on valley oaks is insufficient to answer your question. However, it is not unusual for large old oaks to have decay and other structural defects that can lead to failure. Check the American Association of Consulting Arborists website http://www.ASCA-consultants.org for someone in your locality who can do a structural assessment of your tree.

1.

Today (08/26/10) a liquid amber and eucalyptus tree in our yard failed. Liquid amber is in front, eucalyptus in back. Both occurred within hours of each other in the mid-late afternoon. We are located in Riverside. Is this common during extremely dry heat waves? Should we be concerned and have someone come to look at our trees? Is there anything we should do to prevent this in other trees?

Posted by B. Matulich on August 26, 2010

Reply posted on August 27, 2010

A phenomenon called "summer limb drop" or "sudden limb drop" does occur occasionally in hot weather and in calm conditions for both of these species. Why this happens is poorly understood. However, it's always a good idea to maintain large trees, to the best of your ability, such that they are free of structural defects that might lead to failure. An inspection by a consulting arborist can help. Go to http://www.ASCA-consultants.org to find a consultant near Riverside.